Council tables decision on public access parking

The Clear Lake City Council has tabled a decision on whether to allow vehicle parking on the north side of the public access at 16th Avenue South.

Gary Laabs, owner of the South Shore Inn and The Landing at 1603 South Shore Drive, had asked the city to allow

vehicle parking on the public approach which is adjacent to his building.

At Monday’s special meeting, Council members heard from those opposed to parking on the access. Among them were residents of the newly constructed Sweetwater Condominiums which are located on the north side of the public access.

According to the city’s ordinance concerning parking on public accesses to the lake, parking is not allowed on any accesses except: access 2P at 18th Avenue South (one side), 11P at 8th Avenue South (one side), 12P at 7th Avenue South (one side), 13P at 6th Avenue South (one side), 14P at 5th Avenue South (one side), 16P at 5th Avenue North (both sides), 20P at North 9th Street West (both sides). Parking is also permitted at public access 17P at Beach Drive for the use of businesses adjacent to the public access only.

On those accesses where parking is allowed, no parking is permitted between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The ordinance the Council is considering for the 16th Avenue South access would allow north side (angle parking) only, except between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The council will discuss the issue again at its next meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.